These red flags may mean your brakes are failing

Brake safety should be the concern of every driver.

Brakes are a vital safety feature, so getting acquainted with your car's brake system should be a priority. "The braking system on your vehicle is critical in keeping you and your passengers alive and well and your vehicle out of the body shop," says James Solomon, Defensive Driving Courses program development and training director with the National Safety Council.

Brake damage or failure can have numerous culprits, including improper or infrequent maintenance, such as low levels of brake fluid and worn brake pads and/or rotors, undetected damage from an unknown source, and wear and tear from weather extremes, including corrosion from road salt.

Your brakes could also be compromised if you've hauled a heavy trailer that doesn't have trailer brakes. This can overheat the vehicle's brakes and cause accelerated brake wear and damage.

So how do you know if your brakes are operating as they should be?

Watch for these warning signs

If you experience any of the following problems, it's time to take the car in:

Odd noises. If tapping on the brakes causes a high-pitched squealing noise, you need to see a mechanic as soon as possible. Other suspect sounds include scratching, scraping and grinding.

Irregular movements or feeling. If your vehicle pulls hard to the left or right when you stop, one side of your brakes is working optimally and the other isn't, says Solomon. Brakes that sink to the floorboard or pulsate before they function — or a steering wheel that shakes — are also red flags that need attention.

If the yellow brake light on the instrument panel comes on, how long do you have to seek assistance?

If the red brake light on the instrument panel comes on, what do you do?

How often (in miles and months) should you have the brakes looked at by a certified brake professional?

In addition to familiarizing yourself with your brake system, make sure you're well acquainted with your vehicle's other safety features and never take them for granted.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.